Redfield at a Glance

Redfield College is an independent boys’ school teaching the Catholic faith, situated on 10 hectares in Dural, in the north-west of Sydney.

The College was founded in 1986 by a group of parents and teachers, the PARED (Parents for Education) Foundation, on the principles that parents are the primary educators and that schools exist to give parents every support. This support is found in the quality of the academic curriculum, in the way that staff work with students and parents in the unique tutorial system, in the emphasis on character development and virtues in the curriculum, and in the concern that staff and peer example be fully positive and supportive of parents. Home and school are united. There is ongoing input to parents through a variety of programs all designed to assist parents to be more effective. The Headmaster has recently written a manual for parents Parenting for Character (Finch Publishing, 2005).

Students at Redfield work hard, with responsibility in studies seen as a key to character development. The College places importance on the development of virtues seen as good habits, the building blocks of character. By developing strengths of character such as sound judgement, self control, courage and responsibility towards others, students are better able to use their freedom to make the right choices in life. Human and civic virtues are fostered.

The education at Redfield is personal. Each boy receives a personal mentor, or tutor, selected from the teaching staff of the College. The tutor is a constant source of support for the student through his attention, friendship, example and advice. He meets regularly with the student during the term, and meets with his parents at least once each term, reviewing progress, and helping with goal setting. The tutor takes a personal interest in the progress of the boys whom he tutors, acting on the parents’ behalf, and coordinating the services of the College for the family. In addition parental values receive reinforcement from a positive peer environment present through the College.

Enrolment

Enrolment currently of 495 students, Year 2 to Year 12 inclusive. Enrolling students in Year 2 intake proceed, in most cases, from feeder infants schools administered by Tangara School for Girls in Cherrybrook and Wahroonga. At the commencement of Year 3, students from Retaval Belfield enter Redfield.

Elective subjects

Elective subjects in Years 7-10 include Geography, Commerce, Visual Arts, Music, Spanish and Latin. In addition, aiming towards a thoroughly rounded education, all students study to Year 10: History, Culture studies, Extension Literature programmes, and timetabled community service. Honours courses in English, Mathematics, Science, History, Commerce, Visual Arts and video production may be undertaken by gifted students in secondary years.

Elective subjects in Years 11 and 12 include English and Mathematics at all levels, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Ancient and Modern Histories, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, Spanish, Music, Visual Arts, Religion, and the possibility of study of external courses such as TVET courses or Open High School Languages. Actual subjects on offer vary from year to year according to the needs of the senior classes. All students study Philosophy in Year 11.

Religious Education

Religious education aims to give students a solid knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic faith as the basis for love of God and service to others. Students are encouraged to practise their faith with freedom and conviction. The full time chaplain of the College is a priest of Opus Dei.

Computer Facilities

Computing studies are incorporated into teaching programs across the disciplines. Student use of computer lab moves from basic keyboard skills and CD research through to internet, communications, word processing, data base, and CAD applications.

Sports

Principal sports include Rugby (ISA and Eastwood district competitions), Football, Cricket, Basketball, Swimming, and Athletics. Ten hectare campus features extensive sporting facilities including home fields for rugby and soccer. The College is a member of the ISA (Independent Schools Association), HZSA (Hills Zone Sports Association) and JSHAA (Junior School Heads Association of Australia).

Extracurricular activities

Co-curricular activities for all students include the Human Virtues Program, study skills workshops, annual career interview programs, leadership education, class camps and outdoor education, visits by guest speakers, and media workshops. Optional activities include extensive international exchange programs, band and musical ensembles, instrumental tuition, competitions in debating, public speaking, and mock trial, drama, father and son camps, and Saturday sport.